5 Shocking Things You Never Knew About Shemar Moore’s Iconic—And Shirtless—Stint On Soul Train

For a generation of fans, Shemar Moore is synonymous with intense, action-packed television, embodying the roles of Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds and Sergeant Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson on S.W.A.T. However, a deep dive into his career reveals a vibrant, high-energy chapter that often shocks his newer fanbase: his four-year run as the host of the legendary music and dance show, Soul Train. As of today, December 15, 2025, clips of his iconic, shirtless dance moves continue to go viral, prompting a fresh wave of curiosity about his time stepping into the shoes of the iconic Don Cornelius. This era was pivotal, showcasing a side of Moore—pure, unadulterated swagger and rhythm—that his dramatic roles rarely allow.

His tenure as the third permanent host of the show, from 1999 to 2003, cemented his status as a cultural icon, bridging the gap between the classic R&B era and the new millennium of hip-hop and pop. It was a time of immense growth, where he learned firsthand from the "Soul Brother Number One" himself, all while delivering some of the most memorable and energetic moments in the show's history.

Shemar Moore: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Shemar Franklin Moore has built a multifaceted career that spans soap operas, sitcoms, hosting duties, and primetime dramas. His journey from a model to a leading man is a testament to his enduring appeal and hard work.

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• Full Name: Shemar Franklin Moore
• Born: April 20, 1970, in Oakland, California
• Early Life: Moore spent his early childhood living abroad, including in Denmark and Bahrain, before returning to the United States. He attended Santa Clara University, where he majored in Communications and played baseball.
• The Young and the Restless (1994–2002, 2004–2005, 2014): He achieved initial fame playing the role of Malcolm Winters, a role that earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2000.
• Soul Train Host (1999–2003): Moore took over as the third permanent host, following Mystro Clark. This role showcased his charisma and dance skills to a national audience.
• Birds of Prey (2002–2003): Played the role of Jesse Reese.
• Criminal Minds (2005–2016, 2017): His most famous role as Supervisory Special Agent Derek Morgan, a character known for his emotional intensity and catchphrase "Baby Girl."
• S.W.A.T. (2017–Present): Currently stars as Sergeant II Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson, and also serves as a producer on the series.
• Awards: He has won eight NAACP Image Awards for his work across his various television roles.

The Soul Train Host Era: 1999 to 2003

Following the departure of the show's creator and original host, Don Cornelius, and a brief period with host Mystro Clark, Shemar Moore stepped onto the stage as the third permanent host of Soul Train. This period was a crucial transition for the show, which needed a fresh face to appeal to a new millennium audience while honoring its decades-long legacy.

Moore’s hosting style was a stark contrast to the stoic, cool demeanor of Don Cornelius. He brought an infectious, youthful energy, often seen dancing and interacting directly with the "Soul Train Gang" dancers. His charisma was undeniable, but the role came with immense pressure. In interviews following the passing of Don Cornelius, Moore admitted that it was impossible to truly fill the legend's shoes, emphasizing his respect for the show’s creator.

During his four-year run, Moore was instrumental in introducing a new generation to the show, hosting performances from major musical entities of the time, including Nelly (whose song "E.I." was famously featured during a dance segment), Alicia Keys, and countless others.

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The Guidance of Don Cornelius

While Moore was the face of the show, the founder, Don Cornelius, remained the executive producer and a powerful presence behind the scenes. Cornelius was known for his careful guidance and instruction to all the hosts, including Moore and his successor, Dorian Gregory.

Footage from behind-the-scenes shows Cornelius and Moore working together to resolve script issues and ensure the show maintained its signature smooth, professional, and soulful direction. This mentorship was invaluable, teaching Moore the nuances of live television and the cultural significance of the program he was helming.

The Shirtless Dance Moves That Broke the Internet

The single most talked-about aspect of Shemar Moore's time on Soul Train, especially among fans discovering the clips today, is his legendary, high-octane performance on the iconic "Soul Train Line." Moore’s appearances on the line were anything but subtle.

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He frequently shed his shirt, showcasing his incredible physique and delivering a series of intensely energetic, often suggestive dance moves. These gyrating, hip-thrusting routines became his signature, earning him the nickname "Sparkling Shemar" in some fan circles.

In a recent interview, Moore himself joked about the impact of his 2001 dance segments, quipping that he was "gyrating" and that women "got pregnant after that dance." This playful, confident attitude perfectly captured the spirit of the show and the "East Coast" dance moves that were becoming popular at the time.

For fans of the stoic Derek Morgan or the serious Hondo, seeing this raw, uninhibited side of the actor is a genuine shock. The viral nature of these clips in the 2020s highlights the timeless appeal of his energy and the cultural impact of the Soul Train Line itself, which was always a platform for dancers to express themselves fully and authentically.

The Legacy: Connecting Soul Train to S.W.A.T.

While Moore’s time on Soul Train ended in 2003, the skills and confidence he gained proved essential for his later success. Hosting a live music show, managing the energy of a studio audience, and interviewing major celebrities (including a memorable 2000 interview with Beverly Crowder) prepared him for the spotlight of network television.

Today, Shemar Moore continues to be a major force in television with S.W.A.T., a show that remains highly rated. He has often reflected on his long career, acknowledging the foundational role that shows like The Young and the Restless and Soul Train played in his journey. His willingness to discuss these early, high-energy roles, even joking about his wild dance moves on the Jennifer Hudson Show, proves that he embraces every step of his path to stardom.

The enduring popularity of the "Soul Train Shemar" clips serves as a fun reminder that even the toughest FBI agent or S.W.A.T. leader has a soulful, dancing past. It’s a powerful piece of television history that continues to connect the past to the present, one legendary dance move at a time.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

To provide comprehensive topical authority on this subject, the following entities and LSI keywords are highly relevant:

• Don Cornelius (Creator/Host)
• Mystro Clark (Previous Host)
• Dorian Gregory (Successor Host)
• Soul Train Gang (Dancers)
• Soul Train Line (Iconic Segment)
• The Young and the Restless (Malcolm Winters)
• Criminal Minds (Derek Morgan)
• S.W.A.T. (Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson)
• NAACP Image Awards (8 Wins)
• Daytime Emmy Award
• Alicia Keys (Musical Guest Anecdote)
• Nelly ("E.I." song)
• Beverly Crowder (Interviewed Guest)
• Mo Que (Guest)
• Shirtless Dance Moves
• Gyrating
• Sparkling Shemar
• East Coast Dance Moves
• Music and Dance Show
• 1999 to 2003 (Hosting Period)
• Jennifer Hudson Show (Recent Interview)
• Soul Brother Number One (Don Cornelius's Nickname)